After the World Cup, issues about the alleged rift between Sharma and Kohli have been getting louder and louder. According to sources, the misunderstanding between the two batsmen was because of conflicts in communication and captaincy.

India head coach Ravi Shastri said that the rumours about the two players were not true. During an interview, the former all-rounder dismissed the talks about Sharma and Kohli.

‘Listen, I have been around the dressing room for the last five years. I have seen how the boys have played and how they have complimented the team and know their work ethics.’

He said that the two were completely in good terms.

‘I feel it is absolute nonsense. I have been there with them and I know the way they play. If that was the case why would Rohit get five hundred in the World Cup? Why would Virat do what he is doing? How would they have partnerships together?’, he added.

When asked about where issues in the team come from, Shastri said that it was because of the players’ difference in opinions.

‘In a side when you have 15 players there will always be times when there will be opinions that will be different. That is what is needed. I don’t want everyone toeing the same line.’

‘You have got to have discussions and someone might then think of a fresh strategy which has to be encouraged.’

Shastri said he encourages open communication in the team. The head coach added that the players get to introduce new ideas to the team when they discuss strategies.

‘Sometimes it might be the junior-most player in the team who may come up with a strategy which we hadn’t even thought of and we need to bring that to the table. So these should not be seen as a conflict.’

Shastri’s term as head coach was extended until the T2O World Cup. The former cricketer said he will use his remaining time to polish young members of the team for the World Test Championship.

The Men in Blue’s next assignment is a home match against the Proteas. The teams will play three sets of ODI, T2OI and, ODI’s. The scores accumulated from the Test match is included for the World Test Championship.

The tour will begin South Africa's campaign for the World Test Championship. To know more about the cricket playing countries, read articles about sports leagues on Betwaala.

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